Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Infrastructure

H. T. PROF Group; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Vehicle allowance

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

H. T. PROF Group is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead detailed estimates and competitive bids for major heavy civil infrastructure in Southern California.

The role focuses on Caltrans and public works projects, with responsibility for material, labor, and subcontractor pricing, risk assessment, and bid strategy. The ideal candidate will manage bid teams, ensure compliance with Caltrans specs, and coordinate with project stakeholders to transition bids into operations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Proven experience estimating Caltrans highway and California public works projects.
• Strong knowledge of Caltrans specifications, plans, bid requirements, and construction standards.
• Extensive understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods.
• Experience developing production-based estimates using labor and equipment crews.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed estimates and competitive bids for large-scale heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Review Caltrans Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, Special Provisions, drawings, and contract documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Develop crew-based production rates for high-production grading, excavation, paving, and civil operations.
• Analyze construction sequencing, equipment requirements, site logistics, and means and methods when developing estimates.
• Coordinate with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and vendors to meet public works participation requirements.

Skills

Heavy civil estimating

Caltrans highway bids

Bid strategy

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Tools

Primavera P6

Excel

Digital takeoff software

Job description

Type Direct Hire

ID CA247-2757406

Posted Aug 28, 2026

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead estimating and bid preparation for major heavy civil, highway, roadway, grading, paving, structural concrete, and airport infrastructure projects throughout Southern California.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience bidding Caltrans and California public works projects, with a strong understanding of agency requirements, heavy civil means and methods, production-based estimating, and subcontractor/vendor markets.

This position will play a key role in developing competitive estimates, evaluating project risk, establishing construction strategies, and transitioning successful bids to project operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed estimates and competitive bids for large-scale heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Review and interpret Caltrans Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, Special Provisions, project drawings, and contract documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Mass Excavation & Earthwork
• Grading & Subgrade Preparation
• Asphalt Paving
• Retaining Walls
• Underground Utilities
• Drainage & Stormwater Systems
• Roadway Improvements
• Traffic Control
• Develop crew-based production rates for high-production grading, excavation, paving, and civil operations.
• Analyze construction sequencing, equipment requirements, site logistics, and means and methods when developing estimates.
• Review geotechnical information, earthwork quantities, haul requirements, and material balances.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete scope coverage and competitive pricing.
• Coordinate with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and vendors to meet applicable public works participation requirements.
• Identify bid risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and value engineering alternatives.
• Develop preliminary schedules and coordinate estimating assumptions with Primavera P6 schedules when required.
• Maintain historical cost and production data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor changes in labor, equipment, fuel, asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and other material costs.
• Participate in bid reviews and final pricing strategy with senior management.
• Coordinate successful project handoffs with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams.
• Support change order pricing and project cost analysis as required.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates with estimating experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Roadway Reconstruction
• Mass Grading & Earthwork
• Asphalt Paving
• Bridges & Structures
• Retaining Walls
• Underground Utilities
• Drainage Infrastructure
• Airport & Airfield Construction
• Public Works Infrastructure
• Design-Build & Alternative Delivery Projects

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Proven experience estimating Caltrans highway and California public works projects.
• Strong knowledge of Caltrans specifications, plans, bid requirements, and construction standards.
• Extensive understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods.
• Strong knowledge of earthwork, grading, paving, structural concrete, underground utilities, and roadway construction.
• Airport/FAA infrastructure estimating experience is highly desirable.
• Experience developing production-based estimates using labor and equipment crews.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor bid leveling, scope coverage, and vendor pricing.
• Ability to analyze complex plans, specifications, schedules, and contract requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates while meeting strict public agency bid deadlines.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with the following is preferred:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Digital takeoff and estimating platforms

Location & Compensation

Additional compensation and benefits may include performance bonuses, vehicle allowance, health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, and other company benefits.

• performance bonuses
• vehicle allowance
• health benefits
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• other company benefits

Why Join Us?

Join an established heavy civil construction team pursuing some of Southern California's most significant transportation and infrastructure projects. This is an opportunity to take a senior role in estimating complex Caltrans, highway, grading, paving, structural, and airport projects while working closely with experienced operations and executive leadership.